Electronics systems that operate in humid environments experience the inherent risk of condensation. For example, condensation can occur if a sealed system is assembled in a hot, humid region and then is stored or operated in a cold environment.

Likewise, sub-ambient cooling (such as with cold plates or thermoelectric devices) can result in condensation when operated in a humid environment. Condensation projects the appearance of poor product quality, especially on transparent parts. Furthermore, water directly on the electronics can cause short-circuiting.

While physical testing is an important step of the design qualification process, detailed simulation can be used to predict the system response earlier in the design sequence, well before any parts are prototyped. Additionally, simulation enables full design space exploration of all operating conditions and in-situ optimization of the design.

This webcast explains the physics that are required to properly model evaporation and condensation and how to implement these physics in a CFD simulation. The fogging and de-fogging simulation of an automotive headlamp is used as an example to demonstrate the process and representative results.